Tell us a little about your career background
From ISRO launch pads to Italian orbit simulations — my career has been about writing the future, in code and in leadership.
After completing my Oxford MBA, I joined ARCA Dynamics - an Italian space tech company working in the space situational awareness domain, as Head of Software Solutions. My primary responsibility involves delivering safe and secure software solutions for both onboard and ground software requirements for ARCA’s upcoming spacecraft missions.
ARCA is a company built to preserve humanity’s spacefaring future through intelligent systems and bold motion. I work with a dynamic team led by Daniele Luchena- ARCA’s founder & CEO. From understanding technical requirements to negotiating terms with ARCA’s vendors- my responsibilities encompass profound application of both my tech experience and Oxford MBA’s learnings.
Prior to Oxford, I spent 11 years at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where I evolved from a software engineer to leading a team responsible for flight software on missions such as Oceansat, and Chandrayaan-2 & 3. ISRO’s shared, purpose-driven culture continues to influence my leadership style and approach to collaboration today.
Why was an Oxford MBA important to help you understand a global view of business where markets, trade and work are transforming at a rapid rate?
Coming from the space tech sector, I’ve always understood the value of international collaboration — it’s essential when building systems that operate beyond borders. However, I sought an MBA that would offer more than just a business education. I was looking for a truly global perspective, one where ideas, cultures, and leadership styles intersect to shape the future.
The Oxford MBA provided exactly that. It immersed me in a cohort of professionals from across the world, introduced me to the economic and social undercurrents transforming markets, and helped me understand how organizations — whether in finance, climate tech, or aerospace — are coming together to solve challenges that are inherently global.
In the space sector, we often talk about the 'overview effect' — the profound shift in perspective when you see Earth from space. The Oxford MBA has been my business equivalent of that effect — helping me zoom out and see the big picture.
Turning to your personal career journey, did you know where you wanted to head in your career before your MBA?
While many talk about the post-MBA 'triple jump' — changing location, designation, and sector — I knew I wanted to make a double transition. I was clear about one thing: I wanted to stay in the space technology sector, the domain I’ve always been passionate about and deeply committed to.
My goal was to move to the UK or Europe to gain international exposure and understand the business and commercial side of the industry — areas I hadn’t explored deeply before. I saw myself either in a strategic consulting role within space tech or in a leadership position where I could continue to grow while contributing domain expertise.
So yes, I didn’t just know where I wanted to go — I was building toward it. The Oxford MBA gave me the network, business acumen, and perspective to make that leap with purpose.
How have the resources and opportunities of an Oxford Saïd education and career development assisted you?
Oxford Saïd’s curriculum, resources, and immersive opportunities have been instrumental in equipping me with the business acumen needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global tech sector — while also sharpening my leadership mindset.
From thoughtfully curated electives like Organisational Behaviour and Global Rules of the Game that fostered team-based learning, to Strategy, Business Finance, and Firms & Markets that filled critical knowledge gaps — the academic experience was rigorous and relevant.
A standout was the special elective Smart Space: Building the Next Space Age, led by Professor Marc Ventresca. It gave me direct access to thought leaders and entrepreneurs in space tech from around the world, expanding my view of the industry’s global frontier.
On the career side, the Oxford Saïd Careers team played a pivotal role — from resume refinement to mock interviews and honest feedback, their guidance helped me navigate my job applications with clarity and confidence.
I also had the privilege of being part of two incredible initiatives — the Impact Lab, which deepened my understanding of purpose-driven, thoughtful business, aligning beautifully with ARCA's ethos; and the Oxford-Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) Space Stream, which became a turning point in my journey.
It was during CDL’s sessions that I first learned about ARCA Dynamics — and thanks to my Oxford classmate and close friend Harsha Puli, who led a strategy consulting project with ARCA, I was connected to Daniele Luchena, the founder & CEO. That connection sparked what has now become the next chapter of my career.
Now you have taken your next career step, what recommendation would you give to incoming students embarking on their MBA journey?
Your Oxford MBA journey won’t look like anyone else’s — and that’s exactly the point. Own it.
The MBA is as much an internal journey as it is an academic one. At the start, it’s natural to feel the weight of imposter syndrome or moments of self-doubt — I did too. But here’s what I learned: every single person in your cohort brings something uniquely valuable, including you.
One of the most powerful lessons I took away from the Impact Lab was that everyone will have their own Oxford MBA experience — and that’s perfectly okay. What matters is making the most of the journey with the tools, people, and opportunities around you.
It’s also okay to feel confused, disheartened, or worried at times. The journey is intense, and transitions are never easy. But remember this: you’re not alone. You’re surrounded by a remarkable support system — friends who’ll become your cheerleaders, mentors who’ll guide you, and faculty who genuinely care.
Use the resources at Oxford Saïd to the fullest — the careers team, faculty, peer networks, and student-led communities. Don’t hesitate to ask for help; it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.
And remember, Oxford is so much more than lecture halls. Explore your college, dive into the libraries and museums, discover your favourite local cafés, walk by the river, and embrace the warmth of the people. Your growth doesn’t just happen inside the classroom — it happens in conversations, friendships, and quiet moments of reflection.
Most of all, be open — to learning, to being challenged, and to becoming more of who you are. That’s where the real impact begins — from within.
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